Zoom Court Luna is the latest professional tennis shoes released by Nike. The shoe weighs only 8 ounces (226.8g), where a normal tennis shoe weighs upwards of 16 ounces (453.59g). To achieve this feat, Nike’s proprietary technologies – Flywire and Lunarlite Foam are adopted in the design. Flywire was first designed for track runners; its high-strength threads work like the cables on a suspension bridge with support engineered precisely where the foot needs it most. This allows the design to reduce weight without compromising on durability, integrity or support.
The Lunarlite technology provides athletes great cushioning support, according to Nike shoe designer Kevin Hoffer, “typically, foam is usually soft and mushy, but this one snaps and rebounds back”. The inspiration for the technology comes from watching footage of the moon landing, where Kevin Hoffer observed astronauts bouncing around in space. Utilizing a foam developed by NASA, a mixture of EVA and nitril rubber that had been combined in a patented process resulting in a cushioning material that is 30 percent lighter than typical molded EVA/Phylon, he developed Nike’s lightest, most responsive cushioning material ever. With Lunarlite shoes that utilize it recreate the experience of space walk, reducing pressure on feet and allowing body weight to be more evenly distributed. As Kevin Hoffer states, “We were able to lock down the foot in the shoe but still give the athlete flexibility”.
Li Na has been wearing these shoes for training and matches since November 2007. “When I first saw them, I didn’t believe they were tennis shoes because they are so beautiful and light,. However, after two days, I fell in love with them and I made a call to Nike to say these were the shoes I wanted.” When asked why, she states, “These shoes allow me to feel light on my feet when going for the shot, and are more comfortable than the previous tennis shoes I wore. The ventilation is also excellent. Before when I finished practice my socks were usually quite wet, but with these shoes the situation improved significantly. My feet now feel dry and comfortable after practice.”
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